Death doulas: why more public figures are training for end-of-life support.

Several well-known actors and directors have trained as or served as end-of-life doulas, and proponents say the role focuses on nonmedical, emotional and practical support around dying.

When actor Gavin Creel became seriously ill in 2024, he asked his longtime friend Celia Keenan-Bolger to serve as his end-of-life doula. Keenan-Bolger trained through the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) and has described the work as nonmedical support given alongside clinicians, friends and family. In recent months several public figures have discussed training as death doulas or providing end-of-life care, which has brought more attention to the role. Advocates and trainees say the work emphasizes honoring the wishes of the dying person and supporting emotional and practical needs. Key points: - Death doulas provide nonmedical, holistic support to people nearing the end of life, distinct from clinical care. - Celia Keenan-Bolger trained with INELDA in 2022 and served as an end-of-life doula for Gavin Creel; her doula work was noted in a Tony Award citation. - Nicole Kidman has said she began training after her mother died in 2024, citing a wish for impartial companionship for the dying person. - Other public figures mentioned as training or training to become doulas include Riley Keough and Chloé Zhao. - INELDA training, as described by Keenan-Bolger, includes meditation on one’s own mortality and focus on listening to the dying person’s priorities. Summary: The growing visibility of end-of-life doulas has highlighted a nonmedical role intended to support people and families as lives near their end. Undetermined at this time.